Robert William Service

Bird Sanctuary

Between the cliff-rise and the beachA slip of emerald I own;With fig and olive, almond, peach,cherry and plum-tree overgrown;Glad-watered by a crystal springThat carols through the silver night,And populous with birds who singGay madrigals for my delight.

Some merchants fain would buy my landTo build a stately pleasure dome.Poor fools! they cannot understandhow pricelessly it is my home!So luminous with living wings,So musical with feathered joy . . .Not for all pleasure fortune brings,Would I such ecstasy destroy.

A thousand birds are in my grove,Melodious from morn to night;My fruit trees are their treasure trove,Their happiness is my delight.And through the sweet and shining daysThey know their lover and their friend;So I will shield in peace and praiseMy innocents unto the end.